When television presenter and media personality Willis Raburu trademarked the word “Bazu”, he thought it would secure his brand identity. But this week, the High Court in Nairobi ruled otherwise — overturning a lower court’s decision that had awarded him more than KSh6.5 million in damages against Airtel Kenya.
The dispute dates back to 2023, when Raburu accused Airtel of using “Bazu” — a phrase he claimed as his own — in one of its popular data bundle campaigns. The Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court had initially sided with Raburu, awarding him KSh5 million in special damages and another KSh1.5 million in general damages.
However, on 10 October 2025, Justice Linus Kassan of the High Court nullified that ruling, saying the Magistrate’s Court had no jurisdiction to handle trademark disputes under Kenya’s Trademarks Act.
“Jurisdiction cannot be conferred by transfer, consent, or error,” Justice Kassan said in his decision. “As such, the entire proceedings before the Magistrate’s Court were invalid.”
The ruling effectively struck out Raburu’s case and ordered him to pay Airtel Kenya the costs of both the appeal and the original suit.
Legal analysts say the outcome underscores the technicalities often hidden in intellectual property law. “This case shows how critical jurisdiction is,” said a Nairobi-based IP lawyer familiar with the matter. “Even if you have a strong case, filing it in the wrong court can undo everything.”
The setback is a blow to Raburu, who has built a personal brand around the term “Bazu” — a slang expression that became widely associated with his media persona and music projects.
Still, the fight may not be over. Sources close to the presenter say he is reviewing his legal options and could choose to refile the case in the proper court.
The dispute also highlights growing tensions between creatives and corporate advertisers over ownership of catchphrases and cultural expressions — especially in Kenya’s fast-growing entertainment and marketing industries.
For now, Airtel walks away with the legal victory. Raburu, meanwhile, may yet have the last word — in a different courtroom.
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